Monorails, Modern Architecture, Empathy, and Pessimism Within Walt Disney World’s Contemporary Resort
The evening before my friends and I were headed for a day at Walt Disney World, I came across an article from NPR. “For some adults who love Disney, it’s like a religion,” read the headline from Deanna Schwartz. Even before skimming through the full story, I’d been telling myself over and over again in my head: “Disney’s not my thing.” Sure, I was excited to spend a day with my closest friends and their wonderful kids, but had I been traveling on my own—my sightseeing preferences would’ve continued to skew towards tourist kitsch and questionable drink decisions. A quote from one of the folks interviewed in the article stuck with me, though: “lead with empathy.”
“Disney adults” are often the target of social media derision. There’s no shortage of viral Instagram Reels and YouTube videos that have sparked ire. It’s hard to remember just how meaningful a Disney experience can be for children and families when Twitter’s algorithm is constantly pushing the opinions of full grown adults who spend their days nitpicking every move the theme park giant makes. Over the years, I’ve found myself constantly rolling my eyes at these folks and their seemingly cult-like devotion to a corporation. Having once worked at an Apple store, this wasn’t the first time I’d witnessed such adoration for an entity that will always care more about your money than you, but, who was I to judge Disney super fans anyways? I used to spend my weekends enthusiastically shouting into a megaphone and lighting smoke bombs in support of a pro soccer team.
My Disney pessimism dulled as we spent a full day at EPCOT. Giving piggyback rides to my nephew, watching my niece devour a sno-cone, and having my friends point out all these tidbits and details of the park made for a fantastic, memorable day. And that new Guardians of the Galaxy rollercoaster? It’s really damn good. An incredible experience that a former amusement park employee like myself could’ve never imagined seeing within the local park I once worked at.
For every mouth-breather screaming into the Facebook void about Disney “becoming woke” and for every TikTok “influencer” creating “content,” there’s a thousand kids having a good time in addition to those kind-hearted folks from the NPR article who are just living their best life. I’ll never shell out the cash to have breakfast with costumed characters or really understand why any adult would want to, but continuing to say Disney isn’t my thing is probably a bit disingenuous at this point. The reality is, there are things about the Disney parks that I find incredibly interesting—from their history to their operations. And as a veteran of both the theme park and public transit industries, there were two things I really felt compelled to see during a brief, recent visit to Walt Disney World.
Number one: the “Skyliner.”
Disney Skyliner gondola system. Digital.
Walt Disney World’s gondola system is as much about transportation as it is about being “a ride.” It efficiently connects several of the resort’s theme parks and lodging establishments that were previously only linked via shuttle bus. Debuting in 2019, the new transit option met a long-standing need while serving as a modern interpretation of a classic, mostly bygone amusement ride.
Disney Skyliner gondola system. Digital.
Disney Skyliner gondola system. Digital.
The second personal priority: visit the Contemporary Resort.
Contemporary Resort concourse. Pentax K1000 + Kodak ColorPlus 200, 35mm.
I was so intrigued by the Contemporary and its history that I wanted to see it up close. One of the property’s original lodging establishments, the building is an award-winning example of Modern architecture. Even if its stylings and features might now be viewed as “retro,” the facility represents that mid-century idealism of just what the future could’ve been. Within the A-frame structure, modular building techniques were used to create not just a hotel, but a place for people to relax, meet, be entertained, and connect. The main concourse is a hub of human activity that seems more akin to a Star Trek space station than a hotel, a place where futuristic monorail trains glide above the lobby and directly through building. Designed via a collaboration between Disney, the US Steel Corporation, and famed architect Welton Becket—the Contemporary Resort was on the cutting edge of its time and has managed to hold up as something special even today. It’s also been a historical site, housing the convention center where former US President Richard M. Nixon uttered his infamous “I’m not a cook” speech…
…right before the Watergate scandal pretty much proved otherwise.
Contemporary Resort concourse. Pentax K1000 + Kodak ColorPlus 200, 35mm.
Contemporary Resort interior. Pentax K1000 + Kodak ColorPlus 200, 35mm.
Contemporary Resort outdoor walkway.. Pentax K1000 + Kodak ColorPlus 200, 35mm.
Contemporary Resort interior. Pentax K1000 + Kodak ColorPlus 200, 35mm.
A monorail departs (or arrives at?) the Contemporary Resort. Pentax K1000 + Kodak ColorPlus 200, 35mm.
Since this was time spent in a tourist attraction and because I still love 35mm film, it felt appropriate to document the building with some Kodak. For the most part, the Contemporary maintains its mid-century theme, but the addition of a garish decorations and bright colors for both an exhibit and food court definitely clash with the centerpiece artwork: Mary Blair’s beautiful multi-story mosaic.
Contemporary Resort concourse. Notice how the monorail train is designed to sits flush with the building’s interior styling. Pentax K1000 + Kodak ColorPlus 200, 35mm.
Even as a pessimistic “non-Disney” person, I love what the Contemporary represents: and optimistic look at the future. That building, much like the nearby EPCOT park, was envisioned to not solely be a theme park attraction, but just one small piece within a full-fledged “city of tomorrow.” Had that original plan come to pass, who knows how such a metropolis would’ve truly turned out. Walt Disney himself seemed to be an idealist, but condos and timeshares generate more money compared to happy thoughts and good intentions. Yet, the Contemporary remains as a strong symbol of those ideals even if it’s also a reminder of the present. The once futuristic monorail that rolls straight through it? It’s now an aging—although well maintained—system that’s never been expanded due to the limitations, costs, and logistics imposed by a modern world. One that can still seem like a far cry from Walt’s original vision for the future.
Monorail car interior. Pentax K1000 + Kodak ColorPlus 200, 35mm.
However, a day at the park—or an afternoon spent wandering around an architecturally significant hotel—can remind even the most pessimistic person that good still exists. Even when a corporation is trying to get every dime it can out of your pocket.
Alright, maybe that last sentence illustrates that I’m still being too negative. I gotta remember: “lead with empathy.” It is, after all, the greatest human trait. And with more of it, maybe we’ll one day reach the idyllic future Walt Disney himself believed in.
Shit. That’s way too cheesy.
And now the pessimism’s back.
Whatever, the Contemporary Resort is a cool building.
Still never gonna have “breakfast with the characters,” though.
Unless my niece and nephew ask me to.
See ya in hell. Or Florida.
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